BYU combines solid career outcomes with extraordinary affordability, ranking in the top 5% nationally for low-income graduate earnings while maintaining debt levels well below peer institutions. This Mobility Engine institution delivers exceptional value through its unique cost structure.
With excellent results, driven by the combination of solid earnings and extraordinarily low debt levels
With excellent performance, reflecting BYU's unique cost structure that keeps both sticker prices and net prices well below peer institutions
With exceptional performance, reflecting the university's ability to convert access into strong economic advancement
With exceptional performance, reflecting the university's ability to convert access into strong economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisBYU delivers strong career outcomes with exceptional affordability that sets it apart from typical private universities. Graduates earn a median of $75,790 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 91st percentile nationally.
While earnings fall $5,513 below expectations relative to student demographics, placing it in the below-average tier for this measure, the institution's extraordinary affordability more than compensates. Median student debt remains remarkably low at $11,069, ranking at the 89th percentile and sitting $12,099 below the peer median of $23,168.
Students seeking strong career outcomes in business, technology, and health fields at a private institution with relatively affordable tuition. Well-suited for academically capable students who want selective admission standards combined with exceptional affordability and strong economic mobility outcomes.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
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This is the Brigham Young University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/brigham-young-university/analysis.
Top 2% nationally for institutional performance
Brigham Young University ranks #20 nationally in Azimuth's institutional rankings, with composite performance at the 98.8th percentile. Located in Provo, Utah, this large private nonprofit university maintains moderately selective admission with a 69.2% acceptance rate while delivering exceptional outcomes across all four institutional pillars.
BYU enrolls 32.3% Pell-eligible students and 13.8% first-generation students, demonstrating solid access within its selectivity tier. The university combines strong academics with remarkably low costs, creating substantial value for students.
As a Mobility Engine institution, BYU successfully converts educational access into strong economic advancement, particularly for students from diverse economic backgrounds who benefit from the institution's unique cost structure and career preparation.
Brigham Young University admits approximately 69.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 7 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places BYU in the Moderately Selective category, with admission rates between 50-75%.
The peer median admission rate of 69.4% shows BYU aligns closely with similar institutions in selectivity. This level of selectivity means academically capable students have reasonable admission prospects while maintaining quality standards.
The university's moderate selectivity creates opportunities for students who demonstrate strong academic preparation without requiring the exceptional credentials needed at highly selective institutions. Students should view BYU as a realistic target school if their academic profile aligns with admitted student characteristics.
The combination of moderate selectivity with exceptional outcomes makes BYU an attractive option for students building balanced college lists. Prospective applicants should consider BYU's unique institutional culture and honor code requirements as factors that may influence both application and enrollment decisions beyond academic credentials alone.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Brigham Young University offers exceptional affordability that distinguishes it from typical private nonprofit institutions. The published cost of attendance is $20,879 per year, including $6,496 in tuition, $9,720 for room and board, and $1,040 for books and supplies.
The average student pays $14,487 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,392 compared to the sticker price. This average net price sits $19,044 below the peer median of $33,531, demonstrating BYU's unique cost structure within private higher education.
The university's approach to pricing creates substantial affordability advantages for families across income levels. Net prices range from $9,531 for the lowest-income families to $20,042 for the highest-income bracket, showing a progressive aid structure while maintaining accessibility.
BYU's affordability index ranks at the 91.7th percentile nationally, reflecting exceptional performance in keeping costs manageable. This combination of quality education with controlled costs represents one of BYU's most distinctive institutional characteristics.
BYU graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth and strong long-term outcomes across diverse career paths. Median earnings rise from $58,450 six years after enrollment to $66,055 at eight years and $75,790 at ten years, representing 29.7% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts, with 6,955 graduates included in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing high confidence in reported figures. Earnings span from $39,894 at the 25th percentile to $119,196 at the 75th percentile, reflecting the university's diverse program portfolio and varied career trajectories.
Low-income graduates earn $76,900, ranking at the top 5% nationally for this critical mobility metric. Approximately 25.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Computer Engineering, General.
65 graduates
Computer Science.
181 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
48 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
97 graduates
Business/Managerial Economics.
45 graduates
BYU offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data, many achieving top rankings nationally and within Utah. Computer Science ranks #54 nationally and #1 in Utah, graduating 181 students with median earnings of $114,046.
Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #21 nationally and #1 in Utah, producing 180 graduates earning $96,161. Accounting Technology ranks #14 nationally and #1 in Utah with 278 graduates earning $84,993.
Applied Economics ranks #51 nationally and #1 in Utah, graduating 216 students earning $81,529. Multiple programs claim the top position within Utah, including Aerospace Physiology and Medicine (#2 nationally, 314 graduates, $60,978), demonstrating BYU's state-level dominance across diverse fields.
Several programs serve as flagship offerings at the institution, reflecting strong student demand and institutional investment.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Utah Higher acceptance rate (18 percentage points higher) and located 37 miles away; similar graduate earnings | UT | 87% | $67,170 | Compare |
University Of The Pacific Higher acceptance rate (25.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 95% | $78,445 | Compare |
University Of Washington-Bothell Campus Higher acceptance rate (22.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | WA | 92% | $78,466 | Compare |
Westminster University Same state (35 miles away) (earnings difference: 12.6%) and similar program focus; same institution type | UT | 69% | $66,215 | Compare |
University Of Utah Same state (37 miles away) (earnings difference: 11.4%) | UT | 87% | $67,170 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brigham Young University-Idaho Similar quality tier in West (#40 ranked) | ID | 97% | $53,406 | #40 | Compare |
Cornell University Similar quality tier (#62 ranked) | NY | 8% | $104,043 | #62 | Compare |
University Of Southern California Similar quality tier in West (#72 ranked) | CA | 10% | $92,498 | #72 | Compare |
University Of Pennsylvania Similar quality tier (#80 ranked) | PA | 6% | $111,371 | #80 | Compare |
Liberty University Similar quality tier (#90 ranked) | VA | 99% | $44,813 | #90 | Compare |
